Hi All, A search has revealed a number of suspension topics, but I'd rather have specific information for my issue if possible. I'm aware many have done the same thing so here goes.
I have a 2012 early D-max with standard rear suspension except for a set of Super springs. these have sagged a fair bit after towing our van on a lap or 2. Van is 18' with an ATM of 2700 GTM 2500, the ball weight is 187 Tare so not helpful when the van is loaded. I have checked the van loaded and is under the specs on the compliance plate. Just a week ago I managed to break a Super spring while travelling on one of country Victoria's roads. At the time the ball weight was 265 kgs measured at a 4WD suspension shop. The Super spring was sitting on the Bump stop. With the van off the car there is about 2-3"" clearance to the bump stop.
The 4WD shop advised me to fit HD rear leaf springs and airbags. I'm not keen on airbags after reading some rear chassis have broken with these airbags.
I weighed my D-max yesterday and added what I would normally carry on a trip; vehicle =2840 kgs rear wheels =1640 kg which includes 200kgs for the ball weight. Vehicle GVM =2900
So my question is what size/type/weight of rear leaf spring to fit and I'm guessing this also gives me a rougher ride. I live in country Vic
Any thoughts/recommendations please.
Geoff
-- Edited by geoffk200 on Thursday 25th of April 2019 11:41:54 AM
Welcome to the gang Geoff, enjoy here and out in the playground.
May I suggest you head straight to Pedders and have a chat to them. I did 4.5 years ago with my Collie after a friend suggested strongly to fit an extra leaf both side rear springs. They suggested that was the best thing for my situation and I have not regretted it one bit. I found them very helpful and did a great job at a reasonable price I was happy with.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Hi Geoff. My 2012 Collie and load measurements are very close to yours. I have fitted a Dobinsons kit front and rear. 50 mm lift and set for 300 kg constant load. Car and van sit level in the ready to go mode and handles and tows very well. When empty, the ride is a little harsher, but not unpleasant. The only downside was that wife demanded side steps for easier entry. The price - supplied and fitted - was much easier on the wallet than the prices quoted by the the other 2 well known companies in town. Hope this helps.
Hi Geoff, I have a 2011 D Max, I replaced my leaf springs with 275 kg rated leaf springs and installed air bags. It raised the back up marginally but vehicle sits level as does the van. I do not pump the air bags up more than 20lb and only when towing. Have traveled 40,000 klm with this set-up and not had a problem with the chassis, the van rides very well in all conditions! My mechanic at the time said to make sure the springs were made from Australian steel, sum imported springs were just rubbish.
Being fulltime on the road l went with OME GVM upgrade, 600kg springs. I decided not to do a band-aid fix and l'm very happy. 2015 D-maxine drives and handles much better towing or not.
Hi i have a 2017 spacecab and I am on the road full time and way over weight and after it was loaded with my new tradie canopy the rear leaf springs flattened out.I had carrols springs Brisbane reset springs add two new leaf HD springs and set for no bounce when not towing and unloaded there is no need for airbags also new efs shocks and HD coil springs in front which gave a 50 mm lift .The total cost was 1700 and definitely worth it but you will not get a gvm upgrade unless you go to a engineer in Victoria and get it checked .Pedders in Victoria would be the ones to talk to or any good suspension businesses cheers
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John
2017 dmax lovells upgrade full CSM trade aluminium canopy,3.5 m quintrex tinny and rear boat loader mangrove jack aluminium trailer
Hi i have a 2017 spacecab and I am on the road full time and way over weight and after it was loaded with my new tradie canopy the rear leaf springs flattened out.I had carrols springs Brisbane reset springs add two new leaf HD springs and set for no bounce when not towing and unloaded there is no need for airbags also new efs shocks and HD coil springs in front which gave a 50 mm lift .The total cost was 1700 and definitely worth it but you will not get a gvm upgrade unless you go to a engineer in Victoria and get it checked .Pedders in Victoria would be the ones to talk to or any good suspension businesses cheers
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John
2017 dmax lovells upgrade full CSM trade aluminium canopy,3.5 m quintrex tinny and rear boat loader mangrove jack aluminium trailer
Geoff I fitted airbags to my 2013 dmax after the standard springs sagged, 245k later my son now has the Ute and still going fine with the air bags. A few year back I had them on a Rodeo as well, it a bit of a hassle adjusting the pressure to suit the load but worth it for the ride and flexibility.
